Keeping Connected and the weekly update
College News
February 23, 2023
Welcome to Keeping Connected and the weekly update. We have a set of brand new courses to help you transition from the winter into the spring, working with our partners and friends at S2R.
So spring into action and book on! We have the usual round up of information about upcoming courses at the College, cost of living support, and a range of local community initiatives.
Please have a read of our newsletter to find out more about Huddersfield Literary festival, the success centre and more.
Supporting our College – please let us know if you can’t attend!
It is great to see so many people making use of the College and as a result lots of our courses are fully booked, meaning we currently have waiting lists of people who want to attend. Please be kind and let us know as early as possible if you cannot attend a session or a course that you’ve booked onto – that way we can offer it to someone else. Thank you!
Please do not attend unless you have received confirmation you are booked onto a course by text, email or post. If you are unsure please contact us. (Please note this includes anyone supporting someone as a friend, a family member or a professional on a course).
Recovery & Wellbeing College Courses
Brand new courses helping you to spring into action with our partners S2R
Wood Carving & Knife Skills
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Monday 13th March 10.30am-12.30pm (1 week)
Join us for this fantastic one-off taster session and learn how to create a simple butter knife from just an ordinary stick. During this practical session you will learn some essential carving skills alongside other learners in a friendly and informal setting. Tools will be provided and no previous experience is necessary.
Paracord Braiding
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Monday 20th March 10.30am-12.30pm (1 week)
Join us for this interesting one-off taster session where you will learn the basic skills needed to start your journey into paracord weaving. You will learn how to create your own keyrings, belts and bracelets on this ultimate DIY workshop. No previous experience is necessary and equipment is provided.
An Introduction to the Five Ways to Wellbeing
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Thursday 23rd March 1-3pm (1week)
During this one-off session, we will look at the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Together we will discover how connecting with others, being active and learning and trying new experiences can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. We will also learn how giving to others and taking notice can also give our mood a boost. This two-hour workshop will give you a taster of some practical self-help techniques and coping mechanisms to use at times of stress.
An Introduction to the Five Ways to Wellbeing
Gel Printing
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Friday 24th March 1-2.30pm (1 week)
Join us for this fantastic one-off taster session and learn the basic techniques of gel printing, with Carmen from S2R. During this hands-on session we’ll be experimenting with layered, mono printing methods using a gel plate, in a friendly and informal setting. No previous experience is necessary, and materials and tools will be provided, including standard paper to print on (if you have your own textured papers, please feel free to bring them along if you choose).
We will be using items from nature such as leaves, flowers and grasses – please collect your own and bring them along to use on your prints.
At the end of the session you will take away a number of your own exciting experimental prints!
Overgrown: Plant Identification
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Monday 27th March 10.30am-12.30pm
Join us as we take a gentle stroll around the local area in Mirfield and discover for ourselves the huge array and variety of common plants that we see everywhere under our feet. Whether you consider them to be weeds or wildflowers, you will learn some of the amazing uses of these wonderful plants. As this course is delivered outside, please dress appropriately for the weather.
Overgrown: Plant Identification
Don’t miss out on these fab courses coming soon!
Grow Well – Gardening for Wellbeing
Outback Community Garden, Lightowler Road, HX1 5NB
Wednesday 8th March 10.00am-12.00pm
Back by popular demand! This fabulous four week Grow Well – Gardening for Wellbeing course provides the opportunity for you to get outdoors, connect with nature, learn new gardening skills, build confidence and meet new people, in a beautiful and peaceful community garden. Facilitated by Louise from Serenity Wellbeing Gardens, you will be made to feel welcome, comfortable and at ease. The Outback is a safe, accessible, relaxed and understanding space to enjoy spending time in, come and join us!
Grow Well – Gardening for Wellbeing
Lino Printing (Taster Session)
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Tuesday 21st March 10am-12pm (1 week)
Have you considered enrolling with the Recovery College course but are nervous about committing to a course lasting several weeks? Or would you like to try something crafty but don’t think you “are good at art”? Maybe you’d like to meet new people in a safe and friendly environment? If any of the above apply then why not join us for this one-off session as together, we take a look at printing. Alongside, one of our fab volunteers, James you will learn about different techniques and colour mixing before having a go at printing yourself onto either paper or fabric. You will be able to use a variety of tools and materials to create an array of textures and patterns and we are certain you will be thrilled with the work you produce! While this course is aimed at learners who are new to printing, everyone is welcome!”
Lino Printing – taster session
Last few places remaining on these courses – book now!
History Walk
Wild Life Lodge, Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury
Wednesday 8th March 10.30am-11.30am (1 week)
Join us and the Friends of Crow Nest Park for a short, guided history walk in the beautiful surroundings of Dewsbury Park. Learn about the fascinating past of the buildings and monuments within this wonderful space as well as having the opportunity to stretch your legs in the Springtime air.
Exploring Nature’s Lost Words
Mirfield Library, East Thorpe Lodge, Mirfield
Thursday 9th March 10.30am-11.45am (3 weeks)
Join librarians Leah & Nicola at Mirfield library for three uplifting sessions exploring words, nature, stories and creativity.
We’ll be using ‘The Lost Words’ by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris as our theme – an award-winning book of stunning illustrations and haunting poems that celebrate words from nature that have disappeared from the children’s dictionary over the years: heron, ivy, dandelion, wren…
We aim to deliver fun, gentle sessions that support wellbeing and create a supportive environment. We’ll be exploring local nature, producing a piece of artwork and will finish by making our own keepsake poetry booklet.
Looking ahead – what’s coming up at the College after Easter?
Brand new course:
Dance Fusion
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Wednesday 19th April, 1.30-2.30pm (3 weeks)
Regular dancing; simply moving to the best of our ability can really lift our spirits. Research shows that dancing also improves our brain function and can reduce stress and help strengthen friendship bonds, when we dance together. All this, AND it improves our general physical health! This fun, three-week course delivered by SS Dance & Wellbeing, is a combination of Dancercise, Zumba, Aerobics and StreetFIT and is suitable for all abilities. We won’t be taking ourselves too seriously, it’s all about enjoyment, so don’t worry if you think you have two left feet. Dancing is about freedom of expression. During these sessions with SS Dance & Wellbeing you will move, you will dance, you will have a laugh – and most importantly have a bit of fun!
Song Writing!
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Thursday 20th April, 12.30pm – 2.30pm (13 weeks)
Are you a music lover? Would you like to meet new people and collaborate in a creative setting with others? Have you ever fancied having a go at writing your own song? Would you enjoy performing your music to a live audience? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the course for you!
In this free 13-week course we will explore the basics of song writing and you will have the opportunity to create and play music in a group setting. This course is open to anyone who would like to have a go at writing and performing a song, whether you are a complete beginner, or already have some musical abilities and would like to exercise these. You will also have the opportunity to perform your song as a group to a live audience at a museum based in Kirklees on the final week of the course, as part of the Kirklees Year of Music: Kirklees Year of Music 2023. You will be able to keep a recording of the performance to have as a memory of your experience and what you have created!
Dare to Dream
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Friday 21st April, 10am – 1pm (7 weeks)
Delivered by our partners at Kirklees Success Centre, this inspiring seven-week course will help you to consider the next steps in your own personal journey. With the valuable support of the Facilitator, Jane, we will discover how to set our own individual goals, identify any barriers and learn how to overcome these. We will work together to develop ways to achieve our ambitions, which may relate to employment, volunteering or learning opportunities. Over the sessions you will build confidence as well as discovering how to reduce stress and manage your time effectively. Information about potential next steps will also be provided.
Lino Printing
Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College hub – Mirfield
Tuesday 25th April, 1pm – 3pm (4 weeks)
Back by popular demand! Join us over four fun sessions as we take a dive into the creative world of printing! Alongside, one of our fab volunteers, James you will learn how to design your own patterns and create multiple printing plates using layers of colour and a variety of different tools and materials. We are certain that you’ll be thrilled with the totally original, eye-catching result you produce! At the end of the course, you will be able to take away your own pack filled with the basic tools you need to continue this wonderful activity in the comfort of your own home. While this course is aimed at learners who have some previous experience of printing, everyone is welcome. Just come along with a head full of ideas and be prepared to get your creative sleeves rolled up!
You can see a full list of our upcoming courses by clicking here:
If you are already enrolled with the College, then please get in touch via email or telephone to book on your chosen course or workshop. There is no need to enrol again.
Email: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
Telephone: 07717 867911
If you are new to the College please enrol here
Please remember to stay at home if you are unwell or have symptoms of covid!
We will be able to help you remain safe if you are worried about getting infected by covid when you attend.
Courses and other stuff from community organisations:
Free Drumming for Wellbeing (2 weeks)
(Funded by Central England Co-operative)
Did you know that group drumming reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and boosts fitness?
Holmfirth Tech – Wednesdays 10-11.30am
1st & 8th March
Denby Dale Methodist – Thursdays 10-11.30am
2nd & 9th March
to book go to: www.rhythmstick.co.uk/
or call 07736049089
Cost of Living information:
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a discount of £150 off electricity bills for 3 million low-income households this winter.
People may be eligible if:
- they receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- they’re on a low income and have high energy costs
Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically and should have received a letter telling you more about it. If someone thinks they’re eligible for the discount and has not received confirmation, they should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline before 28 February.
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Digital Kirklees Databank Applications
If you are experiencing difficulty looking for work or completing college coursework, you can apply for a free SIM card which gives calls, texts and data for six months.
https://my.kirklees.gov.uk/service/Grants_and_funding___Databank_application
Breathing Space
Breathing Space (aka the Debt Respite Scheme) is a free government scheme to help out those in debt. It stops creditors from adding costs or taking enforcement action for 60 days; enough breathing space to get debt advice and set up a debt solution. There’s also a scheme designed specifically for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.
what-is-breathing-space-and-how-can-it-help-me
Mental Health and Money Toolkit
Worrying about money can be very stressful! It can take over our thoughts and impact negatively our mental wellbeing and can even cause feelings of embarrassment, guilt and shame. Managing your finances can be all the more difficult when you feel like this and it is easy to avoid, rather than deal with the problem. There are things you can do, and we would like to help where we can. That is why we would recommend you use the Mental Health and Money Toolkit.
This was designed by people who have mental health and money problems as well as by professionals. We can print a hard copy and send it for free to your home address. Just email or call us or find it electronically here.
Remember you are not alone!
Together We Can
For tips advice and information on health and cost of living services click this one link:
Find a Warm Welcome Space Today
Everyone should have a warm and welcoming Space to go to this winter, which is why our network of community organisations, churches, libraries, businesses and other faith groups across the UK have opened their doors to provide exactly that.
Find a Warm Welcome Space Today
Halifax Community Fridge – Warm Meals every Thursday!
131 Gibbet Street, Halifax
The Halifax Community Fridge provides free food for anyone in the local community who is in need, between 11am and 12.30pm every day.
From 10th November they will also be offering a warm meal for their neighbours in the community, every Thursday afternoon. The meals will be served 30 minutes before sunset every Thursday – can check out their Facebook page for exact times.
https://www.facebook.com/HalifaxCommunityFridge
Call: 07790 758618
The Bread and Butter Thing
The Bread-and-Butter Thing is a charity which is distributing surplus food from shops, supermarkets and farms to people who need it. They cover several areas of Kirklees including Rawthorpe, Dalton, Deighton, Batley and Chickenley, providing weekly food bags at a fraction of the cost of buying them from the supermarket. Click the link below for more information.
For information, support and advice on how to beat the cost of living go to your local council pages here:
Money and Wellbeing in Calderdale | Calderdale Council
Cost of living | Kirklees Council
Join us on Facebook and Instagram here:
Have a great weekend
The Recovery & Wellbeing College Team
ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
07717 867911
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